Sister Hazel – Coconut Trees

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

Q) What was the inspiration behind your latest song “Coconut Trees?”

A) If I remember correctly, Kyle Jacobs and I wrote this song in February or March several years ago in Nashville, TN. Anyone who has spent a good amount of time in Nashville knows that there can be some seriously dreary days from the end of November through the beginning of March. We were eagerly awaiting the actual arrival of spring – not the one that fakes you out – and the idea of a white sand beach, blue water and some coconut trees sounded really great. The seed was planted, and the song took shape! As we started down this path, it took on this really fun bounce of an island song.

Q) With the release of “Coconut Trees” you recorded a couple short videos on YouTube to promote the single. Are there any plans to shoot a music video?

A) Well, we actually shot a live performance of the song a few weeks ago at our annual event, the “Hazelnut Hang,” at the Windjammer just outside of Charleston, SC. It is a place we’ve played our entire career. I’m pretty sure that will serve as the music video for this song. I haven’t seen the footage yet, but the stage is basically on the beach, so the setting should be pretty cool for this tune.

Q) “Coconut Trees” was also released through Nashville-based label Ridge Rock Music. What made you decide to go with them for this project?

A) We have worked with Tom Derr and Rock Ridge Music for many years. Good people and super easy to work with.

Q) What is your songwriting process like? Do you need music before you can come up with lyrics?

A) It works a bunch of different ways. I could have a concept I want to write about or hum a melody for a chorus or come up with some chord changes I like…There are so many different ways to start down the path. “Coconut Trees” started with a storyline and the idea of warm weather, blue water, and white sand beaches.

Q) What message do you hope listeners will take away from listening to “Coconut Trees?”

A) There are several songs that I’ve written with Kyle Jacobs over the years, and each one is more special to me now after losing Kyle. This song specifically means a lot because when I think of Kyle, he was an upbeat, positive, fun person…Every time I was around him. I believe he would be very proud of where the band took this song. It will always hold a special place in my heart.

I really hope people use this song as an inspiration for escape!! Put it all down for a minute, be present and in the moment with the people you love, have some fun, dig your feet in the warm sand, and take in the absolute beauty of God’s creation!! It’s a simple, have-fun song.

Q) “Coconut Trees” is part of your upcoming album, which is set for release next year. What are some themes you’ll be exploring on the new album?

A) Everyone in the band has been writing songs, and we’ve always been committed to serving the songs and striving to allow the song to guide us where it wants to go. I take a lot of pride in how we’ve steered away from being contrived and keeping our songs true to themselves and true to ourselves. All that to say, the album will probably be all over the map. We’ll let the songs take us on a journey.

Q) How much of a hand does the band have when it comes to the production side of the music that you make?

A) Sister Hazel has a huge impact on production. I think it’s honestly a pro and a con. We’ve always been deeply invested in how our music gets put together, and I’d say producing this band is a huge challenge because one we’ve been doing this for close to thirty years, and two we all have opinions on how songs are going to translate the best. We’ve gotten much better at being open to suggestions, but most of the time we will defer to the guy or guys who wrote the song for final direction.

Q) You’re currently on tour through the rest of this year into next year. Have you debuted some of the new songs for the fans and, if so, what has been the overall reaction to the new material during live shows?

A) We have played a few of the new songs on the road and, honestly, I’ve been really happy with the response. Most fans who come to a show want to hear the songs they’ve heard on the radio or songs they at least have access to, so busting out a brand-new song that they can’t even buy yet is sometimes a challenge. But, like I said, I’ve been really moved at how well received the new stuff has been.

Q) Your song “All for You” continues to be a fan favorite and is still played on radio stations all over the world. How does that make you feel that to this day it is still on rotation and remains so active on playlists?

A) Blown away. That song has been an incredible blessing to this band. It opened so many doors for us, and the fact that crowds of people across generations will still sing every word back to us is just incredible. Ken Block, our lead singer, really captured lighting in a bottle with “All for You.”

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the music that you make?

A) The fact that we get to continue to tour, get on stage together and do what we love is a direct consequence of people continuing to support our band. We are so thankful that old fans and new continue to connect with our songs and come out to our shows. None of us would have ever imagined that close to thirty years into this business we would still be afforded the chance to keep making music, both in the studio and on stage. THANK YOU to everyone who continues to support our journey!!

All Questions Answered By Andrew Copeland